After much anticipation, War Child and Secret 7” can finally reveal the headline artists that will be contributing sleeves to this year’s show. Turner Prize-winning sculptor Antony Gormley OBE RA, legendary fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, The Cure frontman and visual artist Robert Smith, acclaimed British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE, multimedia innovator Haroon Mirza, Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Ken Nwadiogbu, sound inspired painter Andrew Pierre Hart, Seoul based contemporary painter Yooyun Yang,and Radiohead’s longtime collaborator and visual artist Stanley Donwood.
Additional contributors include Anthony Burrill, Andy Vella, James Joyce, Sol Sato, Alice Tye, Owen Gildersleeve, Daniel P Carter, and Adam Riches. They join hundreds of artists, including those selected via an open submission and through D&AD’s New Blood Awards, showcasing an incredible range of creativity and innovation.
The premise of Secret 7” is simple. Seven iconic musicians each provide a track which is then pressed onto 100 limited-edition 7” vinyl records, each with a unique sleeve artwork. This year's records feature an exclusive etching by Yinka Ilori MBE that’s wrapped in bright colours and a unique flower motif, bringing the phrase ‘Let Them Blossom’ to life. 700 creatives, from globally renowned artists to emerging talents, then interpret the song into a unique record sleeve. All 700 records will be displayed in a free public exhibition at NOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula (11th April - 1st June 2025) during which time they will be up for auction on Givergy (1 June 2025). The catch? Buyers won’t know who designed the sleeve or the track inside until after purchase – therein lies the secret.
